"Skills can be on different levels—beginner, intermediate and advanced. It's important to learn each level of ability in the correct order, instead of trying to fast-track skill acquisition. You can't ride down a technical course, or tackle an advanced skills course, when you haven't grasped the basics," says former pro Erica Green. She represented South Africa at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics in both road race and mountain bike events, and is a UCI-certified Level 2 coach. "Even the skill of reaching down to get your water bottle is a huge problem for a lot of riders."

Through her experience as a coach, Green has realized that many basic skills are overlooked. To master cycling skills means to be in full control of your pedal stroke, wax every single corner, and feel confident every time you swing your leg over the tube. Below, she explains how you can start and progress properly through your cycling skills training. (For more tips and tricks to up your training game, check out our Big Book of Training!)

Do it if...
...you're not on a strider bike. According to Green, all cyclists should learn beginner skills, then more event-specific abilities. Skills training will not only make you faster—it'll make you a safer rider, too.

All you need is...
...your bike, and the environment you most like to ride in.

Commit to...
..."five to six sessions of skills training as a start," says Green. "This'll be enough time to consolidate a couple of skills." It's important to practice your skills after an actual lesson, so committing to six sessions means committing to additional rides afterwards to ensure you practice.

Progress by...
...ensuring that you have the basics down before moving on. Skills such as mounting, braking, cornering, descending and pedal strike go a long way toward mastering more advanced skills. Riding in a group, or getting someone to film you over a particularly tough obstacle, can help you learn more efficiently.

You're overtraining if..
...you're not having fun. Remember, skills take time to master—the more you ride your bike, the better you will become.